Multiple first responders were called to a scene Friday afternoon at Fern Cliff Nature Preserve to extricate an individual who fell an approximate 50 feet down a cliff.
A call came in shortly before 2 p.m. from an individual who told dispatch they had fallen an approximate 50 feet and were in need of medical help.
Initially, first responders had to deal with tough terrain, including cutting fallen trees and multiple cliffs attempting to reach the individual.
An hour after arriving on the scene, first responders were able to carry the victim out, transporting him to a waiting medical helicopter and the victim was flown to a hospital. The victim’s condition was unknown late Friday afternoon.
First responders from Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, Greencastle Fire, Putnam County EMS, Roachdale Fire, Bellmore Fire and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources responded.
Greencastle assistant fire chief Rob Frank said the incident was one he had not experienced before.
"It is pretty rare. I have been on full-time for 11 years, and that was the first time. It was a team effort, and I am glad all departments can come together and work together to accomplish a big task like this," Frank told The Putnam County Post.
Frank did offer advice for anyone who may be out walking, hiking or repelling down the cliffs this summer.
"Don't go alone and let someone know where you're at if you are going to do those types of things. This individual made a cellphone call saying they were in need of help and that is how we were aware. Make sure you know your safety equipment and what you are doing," Frank said.
This story will continue to be updated as more information is released.
Initial release
Multiple first responders are on the scene at Fern Cliff Nature Preserve to extricate an individual who fell an approximate 50 feet down a cliff.
A call came in shortly before 2 p.m. from an individual who told dispatch he fell an approximate 50 feet and was in need of medical help after feeling like he broke his back.
Responders have had to deal with tough terrain, including cutting fallen trees and multiple cliffs in trying to attempt a "high angle rescue."
First responders from Madison Township Volunteer Fire Department, Greencastle Fire, Putnam County EMS, Roachdale Fire, Bellmore Fire, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources are on the scene and lifeline has been called in.
This story will continue to be updated.
